Articulating load bearing suspension system for use with body armor

ABSTRACT

An articulating load-bearing belt for use with body armor includes a first structural plate and a second structural plate pivotally coupled to the first structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to be independently pivotable about the pivot point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority to International Application Number PCT/US2015/033148, filed on May 29, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/005,207, filed on May 30, 2014, the priority applications which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The field of this disclosure relates generally to a suspension system used to facilitate carrying a load and, more particularly, to an articulating load bearing suspension system for use with body armor.

BACKGROUND

Body armor is worn by individuals, such as military personnel, police, security guards, bodyguards or other individuals seeking bodily protection. One known type of body armor includes a carrying device (for example, a vest, a jacket) designed to carry one or more armor plates. The armor plates, which may be selectively removable from the carrying device, are specifically constructed to protect the wearer from being, for example, shot, stabbed or otherwise injured during an attack or other dangerous situation. As can be readily appreciated, some individuals including, but not limited to, combat soldiers and police officers in tactical units, often seek to maximize their bodily protection by wearing relatively robust body armor when knowingly entering potential hostile or other dangerous environments. Unfortunately, however, such robust body armor may be heavy, for example, weighing between twenty and forty pounds and cumbersome to move in. Moreover, the individuals wearing the body armor typically carry additional items (for example, weapons, ammunition, various tools) that are directly or indirectly attached to the body armor and, more specifically, to the carrying device. As a result, the individuals wearing the body armor may be carrying a load that approaches or even exceeds one hundred pounds.

With most known body armor, the majority of the weight of the armor plates and any additional items carried by the wearer rests on the user's shoulders, which stresses the wearer's spine. As can be readily appreciated, carrying the weight of the body armor and any load secured to the body armor can be quite wearing and may cause strain or even injury to the user's shoulders, back, spine, and/or other body parts.

Thus, there remains a need for an articulating load bearing suspension system for use with body armor that reduces the stress on the wearer while allowing for greater freedom of movement compared to known body armor.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an articulating load-bearing belt for use with body armor generally comprises a first structural plate, and a second structural plate pivotally coupled to the first structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.

In another aspect, a load-bearing belt configured to transfer the weight of a load to a user's hips generally comprises a first structural plate including a first end portion positioned proximate the user's lower back, and a second structural plate including a second end portion positioned proximate the user's lower back. Each of the first and the second structural plates extend from the respective first or second end portion and is configured to be releasably secured about a corresponding hip of the user when worn. The first structural plate is pivotally coupled to the second structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.

In yet another aspect, a load-bearing suspension system generally comprises an article configured to house a load, a vertical stay coupled to the article and aligned with a user's spine, and a load-bearing belt pivotally coupled to the stay. The belt is configured to releasably secure the article around the user's hips such that, when secured, at least a portion of the load is supported by the user's hips. The load-bearing belt comprises a first structural plate and a second structural plate coupled to the first structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one suitable embodiment of an Articulating Load Bearing Suspension (ALBS) system for use with body armor, the ALBS having a support belt and a vertical stay as worn by a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the user wearing the ALBS system shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are back views of the ALBS system illustrating an exemplary range of motion of individually articulating portions of the support belt.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are back views of another suitable embodiment of an ALBS system and illustrating an exemplary range of motion of individually articulating portions of the support belt and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to the articulating portions.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the typical hip structure of a male wearer with a representation of a location of the support belt of FIGS. 1-4 relative to the hip structure of the user.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the ALBS system shown in FIGS. 1-4 illustrating the effects of the user's bending motion on the ALBS system.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the ALBS system shown in FIGS. 1-4 illustrating an exemplary side-to-side range of motion of the user.

FIG. 10 is a back view of another suitable embodiment of an ALBS system.

FIGS. 11a-11e are illustrations of a user demonstrating a range of motion during certain movements while wearing the ALBS system shown in FIGS. 1-4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one suitable embodiment of an Articulating Load Bearing Suspension (ALBS) system, indicated generally at 10, of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the ALBS system 10 is configured to transfer a significant portion of the weight of equipment such as, for example only, body armor from the shoulders and spine of a user to the user's hips. In the illustrated embodiment, the ALBS system 10 includes an article 12, such as a vest (broadly, a “carrying device”), at least one armor plate 14 carried by the vest 14, a load-bearing belt 16, and a vertical stay 18 extending between the vest 12 and the belt 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the stay 18 is coupled to the vest 12 and the load bearing belt 16. The stay 18 can be removably coupled to the vest 12 and/or the load bearing belt 16; or can be integrally coupled, such as by stitching, to the vest 12 and/or the load bearing belt 16. Moreover, the stay 18 can be coupled externally or internally to the vest 12 and/or the load bearing belt 16. In one suitable embodiment, the stay 206 is a rigid or semi-rigid member such as a flat rod. The stay 18 is generally aligned with the user's spine when the ALBS system 10 is donned, and is configured to transfer the load of the vest 12 including the weight of the armor plate 14 and any other items (for example, weapons, ammunition, various tools) carried by the vest 12 from the user's shoulders to the belt 16 positioned adjacent or about the user's hips. The armor plates 14 themselves can weigh between twenty and forty pounds and that individuals wearing body armor may carry total loads that approach or even exceed one hundred pounds. Transferring a significant portion of this weight from the user's shoulders to his/her hips greatly reduces the potential for injury. In one suitable embodiment, for example, 25-100 percent of the weight of the armor plates 14 are transferred from the user's shoulders to his/her hips via the ALBS system 10.

The belt 16 includes a padded sleeve 20 having a first side portion 22 (for example, a left side portion as viewed in the accompany figures) and a second side portion 24 (for example, a right side portion as viewed in the accompany figures) that each wrap at least partially around respective hips of the user and extend at least partially across the user's lower back when the ALBS system 10 is worn. In such a position, the belt 16 provides lumbar support for the user when the ALBS system 10 is worn. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the first side portion 22 and the second side portion 24 is pivotally coupled to the stay 18 at a pivot point 48. The side portions 22, 24 generally extend outwardly and downwardly (rather than generally horizontally) from the stay 18 in opposite directions, and are configured to be securely wrapped around the user's hip structure when the ALBS system 10 is worn. For example, the side portions 22, 24 are configured to be wrapped around the user and secured using, for example, a buckle (not shown). The downward orientation of the belt 16 provides stability to the user when in motion.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the load bearing belt 16 also includes a first structural plate 26 and a second structural plate 28, wherein the structural plates 26, 28 are configured to independently rotate about the common pivot point 48 to correspond to the movements of the user. The first structural plate 26 is inserted into a pocket (not shown) in the sleeve 20 such that the first structural plate 26 and a portion of the sleeve 20 form the first portion 22 of the load bearing belt 16. Similarly, the second structural plate 28 is inserted into a pocket (not shown) in the sleeve 20 such that the second structural plate 28 and a portion of the sleeve 20 form the second portion 24 of the load bearing belt 16. The stay 18, the first structural plate 26, and the second structural plate 28 can be made from light weight, durable material and are corrosion resistant.

Furthermore, the sleeve 20 is comprised of an elastomeric material that is configured to provide structural rigidity to the belt 16. More specifically, the elastomeric material of the sleeve 20 holds the structural plates 26, 28 in a neutral, generally horizontal position relative to the stay 18, such as the position of the first structural plate 26 in FIG. 3 and the second structural plate 28 in FIG. 4. As such, the plates 26, 28 are able to move about the pivot point 48 in both an upward and downward direction relative to the stay 18 to correspond with the movements of the user. More specifically, when the ALBS system 10 is donned by the user, the sleeve 20 is configured such that the weight of the vest 12 does not push either of the articulating structural plates 26, 28 downward to impede subsequent pivoting movement. It is understood that the sleeve 20 can be made from any suitable material. In one suitable embodiment, the sleeve 20 is made from any suitable material having dampening and compression rebound characteristic. It is also understood that sufficient structure rigidity can be provided to the belt 16 in any suitable manner include, but not limited to, a metal spring, a plastic spring, one or more pieces of rubber (for example, urethane, silicone) without departing from some aspects of this invention. The sleeve 20 may further include a plurality of pockets (not shown) each configured to receive at least one armor plate therein to protect the user.

The first structural plate 26 includes a front end 32 positioned proximate the user's hip and a back end 34 positioned proximate the user's spine. The first structural plate 26 also includes a curved top edge 36 that forms a hump proximate the user's back and slopes downward at the back end 34 such that the back end 34 is tapered to a rounded point 38 (shown in FIG. 4). Similarly, the second structural plate 28 includes a front end 40 positioned proximate the user's hip and a back end 42 positioned proximate the user's spine. The second structural plate 28 also includes a curved top edge 44 that forms a hump proximate the user's back and slopes downward at the back end 42 such that the back end 42 is tapered to a rounded point 46 (shown in FIG. 3). The back end 34 includes a first opening defined there through. The back end 226 also includes a second opening defined there through. The first opening and the second opening at least partially overlap each other such that the first opening defined in the back end 34 of the first structural plate 26 is concentric with the second opening defined in the back end 42 of the second structural plate 28. The size and shape of first structure plate 26 and the second structure plate 28 are configured to facilitate reducing weight, increasing mobility, and/or transferring load weight from the armor plate 14 to the user's hips.

The first and second structural plates 26, 28 are configured to be independently articulating such as by pivoting, rotating, or moving based on the movement of the user to maintain effective load distribution. More specifically, the first opening in the end 34 of the first structural plate 26 is concentric with the second opening defined in the end 42 of the second structural plate 28 such that the openings are configured to receive a common fastener 47 (for example, a pivot pin). In one embodiment, the fastener forms the single pivot point 48 about which each of the structural plates 26, 28 is configured to independently pivot relative to the pivot point 48.

The structural plates 26, 28 are pivotally coupled to the stay 18 to accommodate the user's hip angle. Additionally, the structural plates 26, 28 are configured to pivot about the pivot point 48 as the user moves to maintain an effective load distribution. More specifically, when the user walks, runs, kneels, bends, twists and/or climbs stairs, the user's hips articulate up and down on each side. If the belt 16 did not articulate correspondingly, and was formed without pivots, then when the user lifts their leg to step, their hip rises and pushes the load off center diagonally relative to the spine such that the load is not aligned with the user's spine, therefore disrupting the user's balance. However, the independently articulating structural plates 26, 28 in the belt 16 allow a greater freedom of movement while maintaining load stability. More specifically, when the user lifts their right leg to take a step (as shown on FIG. 3), the second structural plate 28 that corresponds to the rising right leg rotates about pivot point 48 towards the first structural plate 26. As the second structural plate 28 is rotating, the first structural plate 26 remains in a generally neutral position relative to the stay 18. Accordingly, the stay 18 remains in a substantially vertical orientation to keep the stay 18, and therefore the load associated with the vest 12, aligned with the user's spine to maintain load stability. Moreover, as an example, when the user lifts their left leg to take a step (as shown in FIG. 4), the first structural plate 26 that corresponds to the rising left leg rotates about pivot point 48 towards the second structural plate 28. As the first structural plate 26 is rotating, the second structural plate 28 remains in a generally neutral position relative to the stay 18. Accordingly, the stay 206 remains in a substantially vertical orientation to keep the stay 18, and therefore the load association with the vest 202, aligned with the user's spine to maintain load stability.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a biasing mechanism 50 that may be included on ALBS system 10. The biasing mechanism 50 is operatively connected to and between the first and second structural plates 26, 28. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing mechanism 50 is operatively connected between the humps defined by the top edges 36, 44 of the structural plates 26, 28. It is understood, however, that the biasing mechanism 50 can be operatively connected to the first and second structural plates 26, 28 at any suitable location above or below the pivot point 48. The biasing mechanism 50 is configured to assist the sleeve 20 in maintaining a neutral position of the structural plates 26, 28. In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism 50 is a coil spring to which tension is applied when the user dons the ALBS system 10 having the weighted vest 12. The tension of the biasing mechanism 50 helps to maintain the neutral position of the structural plates 26, 28 when the user is standing and prevent them from pivoting about the pivot point 48 from the load of the vest 12. When the user lifts a leg to step, the structural plate 26, 28 associated with that leg rotates about the pivot point 48 to move towards the opposite structural plate 26, 28, which causes the biasing mechanism 50 to compress and allows the pivoting movement of the structural plates 26, 28. It is contemplated that in come suitable embodiments, the biasing mechanism can be omitted.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the user's hip structure 52 showing the user's ilium 54 and hip joints 56. Depicted adjacent to the hip structure 52 is a representation of a location where the belt 16, and more particularly where the side portions 22, 24, is located for a typical user. As illustrated, when worn by a typical the user, the side portions 22, 24 of the belt 16 wrap adjacent, about, and/or around the hip structure 52 and cause a generally downward and stable transfer of the load from the vest 12 through the stay 18 and the structural plates 26, 28 and to the user's hip structure 52 as depicted by weight transfer arrows 58. Thus, when walking, kneeling, bending and/or twisting, the weight of the vest 12 is generally supported by the user's hips while the pelvis is generally stabilized by the belt 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the vest 12 includes a cover 58 having a plurality of pockets (not shown), each configured to receive at least one armor plate 60 therein. In one suitable embodiment, the at least one armor plate 60 is selectively removable from the cover 58. In one embodiment, the cover 58 includes a sleeve 62 configured to receive an end of the stay 18 therein. The stay 18 includes a first end 64 coupled to the vest 12 and a second end 66 pivotally coupled to the belt 16. More specifically, the sleeve 62 may be formed either on an outer surface of the cover 58 or on an inner surface of the cover 58 such that the first end 64 of the stay 18 is positioned either between the cover 58 and the armor plate 60 or on the outside surface of the cover 58. In another embodiment, the cover 58 includes a plurality of loops (not shown) coupled thereto that provide an attachment means for the stay 18 as an alternative to the sleeve 62.

In one embodiment, a second end 66 of the stay 18 is coupled to the first and second structural plates 26, 28 of the belt 16 at the pivot point 48. More specifically, the second end 66 includes an opening defined therein that is concentric with the openings defined in the first and second structural plates 26, 28 such that the fastener 47 is threaded through the three openings to enable the stay 18 to pivot about the pivot point 48 as depicted in FIG. 9 by a movement arrow 68. In one embodiment, the second end 66 of the stay 18 is coupled to the belt 16 at the pivot point 48 within the sleeve 20. In another embodiment, the second end 66 is coupled to the belt 16 at the pivot point 48 on an outer surface of the sleeve 20.

The common pivot point 48 allows for greater flexibility and mobility when the user orients their spine at an oblique angle with respect to the ground, such as to look around an object without moving their feet. During such a motion, the structural plate 26, 28 corresponding to the hip the user is leaning away from also pivots about the pivot point 48 to maintain load distribution. By relative pivoting of the stay 18 and the first and second structural plates 26, 28, the stay 18 remains aligned with the user's spine. In this manner, the belt 16 enables free movement of the user without inhibiting even load distribution. Alternatively, if the user only moves their back to lean such that their hips remain level, then the belt 16 may also remain level. The second end 66 of the stay 18 may be coupled to the belt 16 with a ball joint to allow the user to have several degrees of freedom to bend, twist, and rotate their upper body while maintaining stiffness in the vertical direction of the stay 18. Furthermore, the second end 66 of the stay 18 may include a coil spring (not shown) configured to allow some cushioning of shock directed in the vertical axis along the stay 18. In another embodiment, the second end 66 of the stay 18 may be coupled to the belt 16 at a location other than at the pivot point 48. Moreover, the stay 18 is comprised of a strong, flexible material, such as, but not limited to carbon fiber, that allows the user to repeatedly bend forward and backward and also to twist their upper body without restriction of the range of motion.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ALBS system 10 also includes a stopping mechanism 70 that is coupled to at least one of the cover 58 of the vest 12, such as proximate the sleeve 62, and/or to the stay 18 itself. In one embodiment, the stopping mechanism 70 is positioned proximate a bottom edge 72 of the vest 12. In another embodiment, the stopping mechanism 70 is positioned at any point that enables operation of the ALBS system 10 as described herein. The stopping mechanism 70 includes a releasable catch that is configured to prevent the stay 18 from sliding out of the sleeve 62. When the user removes the ALBS system 10, the user may desire that the ALBS system 10 remains assembled to save on disassembly and reassembly time. As such, the stopping mechanism 70 ensures that the belt 16 remains coupled to the vest 12 even when the user is not wearing the ALBS system 10. When the user desires to disassemble the ALBS system 10, the stopping mechanism 70 includes the releasable catch to allow the belt 16 to be separated from the vest 12.

Furthermore, the ALBS system 10 also includes an extension mechanism 74 that is coupled to at least one of the cover 58 of the vest 12, such as proximate the sleeve 62, and/or to the stay 18 itself. The extension mechanism 74 is configured to allow the stay 18 to extend and contract thereby allowing the user to bend forward and backward without changing the orientation of or otherwise moving the belt 16 relative to the user, as depicted by movement arrow 76. When the user bends forward, the curvature of the back causes the distance between the vest 12 and the belt 16 to increase. Similarly, the distance between the vest 12 and the belt 16 decreases when the user bends backward.

In one embodiment, the extension mechanism 74 allows the stay 18 to slide in the directions of arrows 76 within the sleeve 62 such that when the user bends forward or backward the stay 18 and the belt 16 actually remain in place while the vest 12 slides along the stay 18 which is slideably positioned within the sleeve 238 to correspond to the change in the user's orientation. In another embodiment, the stay 18 includes a telescoping section 77 such that the length of the stay 18 actually changes to correspond to the change in the length and curvature of the user's back. As such, bending forward does not cause the belt 16 to ride up from the user's hips to their waist and cause destabilization of the load. Similarly, bending backward does not cause the belt 16 to drive the load of the vest 12 onto the user's hips. The load remains stable and distributed between the user's hips and shoulders.

FIG. 10 illustrates another back view of the belt 16. The belt 16 includes a receiver 78 such as, but not limited to, a pocket, a sleeve, a V-shaped yoke, or a cradle. The receiver 78 may be formed on or coupled to either on an outer surface of the belt 16 or on an inner surface of the belt 16. The receiver 78 is configured to receive or accept an end such as second end 66 of the stay 18. The receiver 78 is configured to support the stay 18 as the stay 18 reciprocally pivots within the receiver 78. The stay 18 can also move vertically up and down within the receiver 78. Moreover, the stay 18 can be rotatably coupled to the pivot point 48 or can be separated from the pivot point 48.

FIGS. 11a-11e are illustrations of a user demonstrating a range of motion during certain movements while wearing the ALBS system 10. More specifically, FIG. 11a depicts the user in a standing position where the load from the vest 12 is at least partially distributed to the load-bearing belt 16 at the user's hips. FIG. 10b depicts the user performing a twisting motion where the belt 16 remains in position as the user pivots about their waist. The twisting motion is at least partially enabled by the flexibility of the stay 18. FIGS. 11c and 11d illustrate a user leaning side-to-side where one shoulder is oriented lower than the other. In FIGS. 11c and 11d the user leans only using their back such that their hips remain level. As such, the belt 16 remains level and the structural plates 26, 28 do not articulate. Alternatively, if the user leans enough such that the hips become uneven, then the structural plates 26, 28 would pivot correspondingly, as described above. FIG. 10e depicts the user kneeling and bending forward at the waist. As such, curvature of the user's back causes some separation of the vest 12 and the belt 16 enabled by the extension mechanism 74 (shown in FIG. 8). During an exemplary use, the stay 18 transmits the load weight of the armor plate 14 coupled to the vest 12 to the load bearing belt 16. The first structure plate 10 and the second structure plate 26 facilitate transferring the load weight to the user's hips while allowing the user to move, twist and bend without destabilizing the load weight.

Those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that the ALBS system is not confined to the specific application as described above (i.e., use with an armored vest). Rather, the ALBS system may be used with a wide variety of applications where it is desirable to transfer a load to a user's hips without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, according to some aspects, the ALBS system may be provided on a hiking backpack. In such embodiments, the weight of backpack may be beneficially transferred to the user's hip structure via the ALBS system in a similar manner as discussed. Similarly, in other embodiments, the ALBS system may be provided on a hydration pack (i.e., a bag configured to be worn on a user's back and store drinking water), or any other application where it is desirable to transfer a load from a user's shoulders, back, etc., to the user's hip structure. In each application, the location of the articulating structural plates of the ALBS system may provide similar benefits as described above.

The present disclosure describes supporting heavy upper body armor by transferring a portion of the load from the user's shoulder to the user's hips. The load transfer is accomplished in a manner such that the standard armor still fits the user in essentially the same manner, but allows for greater flexibility for torso and leg movement while providing upward support. The articulating load-bearing suspension system described herein includes a load-bearing belt having two independently articulating plates coupled together at a common pivot point. The independently articulating plates support the load from the body armor on the user's hips while still allowing the user to walk, run, kneel, climb stairs, twist, etc. without destabilizing the load.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An articulating load-bearing belt for use with a weighted load comprising: a first structural plate; and a second structural plate pivotally coupled to the first structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.
 2. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, further comprising an elastic sleeve configured to capture the first structural plate and the second structural plate.
 3. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism operatively connecting together the first and second structural plates.
 4. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second structural plates are configured to rest on the user's ilium when in use.
 5. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first structural plate overlaps at least a portion of the second structural plate.
 6. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point to correspond to a user's body shape and the user's movement.
 7. The load-bearing belt of claim 1, wherein each of the first structural plate and the second structural plate comprise a tapered shape.
 8. A load-bearing belt configured to transfer the weight of a load to a user's hips, the load-bearing belt comprising: a first structural plate including a first end portion positioned proximate the user's lower back; and a second structural plate including a second end portion positioned proximate the user's lower back, each of the first and the second structural plates extending from the respective first end portion and the second end portion and configured to releasably secure to a corresponding hip of the user when worn, wherein the first structural plate is pivotally coupled to the second structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.
 9. The load-bearing belt of claim 8, wherein the first end portion at least partially overlaps the second end portion.
 10. The load-bearing belt of claim 8, wherein the first end portion includes a first opening and the second end portion includes a second opening that is concentric with the first opening, the first and second openings configured to receive a common fastener to form the pivot point.
 11. The load-bearing belt of claim 8, wherein each of the first and the second structural plates extend outwardly and at least partially downward from a respective first and second end of the load-bearing belt.
 12. A load-bearing suspension system comprising: an article configured to house a load; a vertical stay coupled to the article and aligned with a user's spine; a load-bearing belt pivotally coupled to the stay, the belt configured to releasably secure the article around the user's hips such that, when secured, at least a portion of the load is supported by the user's hips, the load-bearing belt comprising: a first structural plate; and a second structural plate coupled to the first structural plate at a pivot point such that each of the first and the second structural plates are configured to independently pivot about the pivot point.
 13. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, wherein the article comprises a body armor vest.
 14. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, further comprising a stopping mechanism coupled to at least one of the article and the stay, the stopping mechanism comprising a releasable catch configured to prevent uncoupling of the article from the stay when the suspension system is in operation.
 15. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, further comprising an extension mechanism coupled to at least one of the article and the stay, the extension mechanism configured to enable sliding of the stay along the article to correspond to a bending movement of the user.
 16. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, wherein the stay includes a telescoping portion that changes length to correspond to a bending movement of the user.
 17. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, wherein the stay is coupled to the belt at the pivot point.
 18. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, wherein the stay is pivotably coupled to the belt.
 19. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, wherein the stay is coupled to the belt and configured to reciprocally move relative to the first structural plate and the second structural plate.
 20. The load-bearing suspension system of claim 12, further comprising a pocket coupled to the belt and configured to receive the stay. 